A personality disorder is a mental health condition that involves long-lasting, all-encompassing, disruptive patterns of thinking, behavior, mood and relating to others. These patterns cause a person significant distress and/or impair their ability to function.

What are the types of personality disorders?

There are 10 types of personality disorders. They are grouped into three different categories called clusters. The types in each cluster have some similar symptoms and characteristics. The clusters and types are:

Cluster A personality disorders involve unusual and odd thoughts and behaviors. It includes:

• • Paranoid personality disorder, in which a person has paranoia (an extreme fear and distrust of others). They may think that someone is trying to harm them.
• • Schizoid personality disorder, in which a person prefers to be alone and is not interested in having relationships with others.
• • Schizotypal personality disorder, in which a person has unusual thoughts and ways of behaving and speaking. They are uncomfortable having close relationships with others.

Cluster B personality disorders involve dramatic and emotional thoughts and behaviors that can keep changing. It includes:

• • Antisocial personality disorder, in which a person has a long-term pattern of manipulating, exploiting, or violating the rights of others.
• • Borderline personality disorder, in which a person has lots of trouble managing their emotions. This makes them impulsive and uncertain about how they see themselves. It can cause a lot of trouble in their relationships.
• • Histrionic personality disorder, in which a person is dramatic, has strong emotions, and always wants attention from others.
• • Narcissistic personality disorder, in which a person lacks empathy and wants to be admired by others. They think that they are better than others and that they deserve special treatment.

Cluster C personality disorders involve anxious and fearful thoughts and behaviors. It includes:

• • Avoidant personality disorder, in which a person is very shy and feels that they are not as good as others. They often avoid people because they fear rejection.
• • Dependent personality disorder, in which a person depends too much on others and feels that they need to be taken care of. They may let others treat them badly because they are afraid of losing the relationship.
• • Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, in which a person needs control and order. They are perfectionists and can be inflexible. Although some of the symptoms are similar, this is not the same thing as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Symptoms of Personality Disorders

• • Being overwhelmed by negative feelings like distress, anxiety, worthlessness or anger
• • Avoiding other people
• • Feeling empty and emotionally disconnected
• • Odd behaviour
• • Difficulty maintaining stable and close relationships, especially with partners, children and professional carers
• • Periods of losing contact with reality

What can I do?

Most personality disorders can be treated through psychotherapy (talk therapy), medication management, or a combination of these two treatments. At A Better Outlook Psychiatry & Addiction, we specialize in treatments focused on medications, but also provide counseling therapy when appropriate. We may refer one of our community partners to you if you require or desire more intensive talk therapy. We can also review the evidence surrounding alternative and complementary treatment options such as herbal supplements.

Your first step is to contact our office for a new patient evaluation. Our providers will not attempt to sell you on or force you to any specific treatment. Think of your first appointment as an education about your diagnosis as well as the most up-to-date and evidence-based treatment options.